Oxbridge Entry Requirements

Oxford and Cambridge Entry Requirements

Tough entry requirements, famously difficult interview questions and standardised tests are all required to successfully apply to Oxbridge universities and before applying, students must answer two basic questions about their future:

• What do you want to study?
• Where do you want to study it?

It is impossible to apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same admissions round, so choose one or the other. Some courses are offered at one university but not the other. The deadline for Oxbridge applications is October 15th each year.

Undergraduate Oxbridge Entry Requirements

While many UK universities may offer students a conditional offer based on specific skills, extracurricular talent, or previous experience, tutors and admissions officers at Oxford and Cambridge focus solely on academic ability.

- University of Oxford

To secure a conditional offer at Oxford, you will need:

• A-levels: AAA or AAA (subject dependent).
• International Baccalaureate: 38-40 points, with 6s and 7s in the higher-level subjects.

Broad International Entry Requirements

• United States: A high GPA, typically 3.7 or above, along with high AP exam scores (5 in at least three or more AP subjects) or high SAT/ACT scores.
• European Baccalaureate: An overall score of 85% or higher.
• France (Baccalauréat): A minimum overall score of 16 (mention Très Bien).
• Germany (Abitur): An overall score of 1.0 to 1.2.
• India: High marks in the Indian School Certificate (ISC) or All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) (typically 90% or above in relevant subjects).
• China (Gaokao): High scores in the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, typically within the top percentile of the province.
• Australia: An Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 98 or higher.

- University of Cambridge

The standard candidate at Cambridge is expected to achieve:

• A-levels: AAA or A*AA (subject dependent).
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 40-42 points, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be required to achieve 7 in a particular subject.

Broad International Entry Requirements

• United States: High GPA (generally 3.8 or higher), combined with high AP exam scores (5 in at least five AP subjects) or top SAT/ACT scores.
• European Baccalaureate: An overall score of 85-90% or higher.
• France (Baccalauréat): A minimum overall score of 17 (mention Très Bien).
• Germany (Abitur): An overall score of 1.0.
• India: Exceptional marks in the ISC or AISSC (typically 95% or above in relevant subjects).
• China (Gaokao): Scores that place students in the top 0.1% of their province.
• Australia: An ATAR of 99 or higher.

Both universities may also require applicants to submit standardised test scores (such as the SAT or ACT for US students) and specific subject tests depending on the course applied for. Additionally, applicants must often provide strong letters of recommendation, a well-crafted personal statement (see below) and sometimes supplementary essays or portfolios.

Oxbridge Personal Statement

A huge importance is placed on your personal statement at all UK universities, and Oxbridge universities are no different. Personal Statements submitted to Oxbridge must be of the highest standard and will be used as a guide by admissions tutors during your interview. You must be able to speak confidently about what is submitted.

SI-UK will review your personal statement, ensuring it is submitted without error and you can speak authoritatively on all its elements.

Study at Oxford or Cambridge

If you are interested in applying for a course at Oxford or Cambridge, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today.